The police department of Kazakhstan's Almaty city has opened a criminal investigation after a schoolgirl brought an axe to school following instructions received through social media.

The incident occurred in Zhetysu district, where officers launched a pre-trial investigation after the minor was found carrying the object on school premises, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Police said the girl, under the influence of instructions obtained online, was planning unlawful actions. The plan was stopped in time thanks to the prompt response of law enforcement officers, preventing any harm.

Investigators are now working to determine all circumstances of the case, including identifying individuals who may have been involved in influencing the teenager through social networks.

A separate investigation has been launched against the minor’s legal guardians for failure to properly fulfill parental responsibilities.

Police stressed the importance of parental supervision over children’s online activity and urged families to respond quickly to any warning signs of risky behavior on the internet.